The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels End Succesful Stay At SEC Indoor
1/19/2009 | Men's Tennis
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Ole Miss men's tennis team's successful stay at the SEC Indoor Championships ended Monday as freshman Devin Britton lost to Tennessee's J.P. Smith in two sets in the semifinals at the Boone Tennis Center.
Britton lost the first set 6-2, but came back and played a much closer second set, before falling 7-6 in the tiebreaker. On his way to the semifinals, Britton defeated Georgia's No. 1 player, who is ranked No. 18 in the nation.
"This was an excellent debut for Devin," head coach Billy Chadwick said. "He had a great showing against the best players in the nation. He came up short in the last match, but Smith is a very good player."
Overall, the Rebels proved they will once again be right there competing for the SEC Championship, as three players advanced to the quarterfinals, including seniors Jonas Berg and Bram ten Berge. Ole Miss also had two teams reach the quarterfinals in doubles.
"We had a great tournament," Chadwick said. "This shows that we will be in the thick of the race for the championship. We are proud of everyone. Our newcomers did well and showed that they will be a force in this league. We are excited to turn our attention to the dual match season and look forward to a big crowd for our first home match Jan. 29 against Troy."
The Rebels and Trojans will square off at 2 p.m. at the Gillom Sports Center. Following that match, Ole Miss will host the first and second rounds of the ITA National Team Indoor. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Rice, Wake Forest and Kentucky will travel to Oxford for the two-day event.
SEC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS -- LEXINGTON, Ky.
SINGLES
Semifinals -- J.P. Smith (UT) def. Devin Britton (OM) 6-2, 7-6(6).
